Hong Kong Tensions Rise as Beijing Critic Jimmy Lai's Home Raided

Top Aide, and Pro-Democracy Lawmaker's Home Also Raided

HONG KONG—Tensions were rising in Hong Kong days before Beijing is expected to announce how the territory will elect its next leader. Pro-democracy groups scrambled to kick off a long-term protest campaign earlier than planned and the anti-graft watchdog searched the homes of a Beijing critic, his top aide and a pro-democracy lawmaker.

Officials from the Independent Commission Against Corruption arrived at the home of media tycoon Jimmy Lai early Thursday, Mr. Lai told reporters outside his residency. Mr. Lai is the...